Word
contouring
Phoneticscon·tour·ing
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. a way of using makeup to shape your face, with dark colours to make parts look smaller and light colours to make parts stand out.
n. a makeup technique that sculpts facial features with darker shades to create shadow and lighter shades to highlight.
Examples
“She uses contouring to make her cheeks look thinner.”
“Before the wedding photos, the makeup artist uses contouring to define the bride's cheekbones and jawline.”
“Skilled contouring sculpts light and shadow across the face, creating depth that looks natural in person yet reads clearly on camera under harsh studio lighting.”
Examples
simple
“She uses contouring to make her cheeks look thinner.”
contextual
“Before the wedding photos, the makeup artist uses contouring to define the bride's cheekbones and jawline.”
complex
“Skilled contouring sculpts light and shadow across the face, creating depth that looks natural in person yet reads clearly on camera under harsh studio lighting.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “contouring” in context.
Verb
01. apply contouring
“Apply contouring along the cheekbones and blend it upwards.”
verb + noun
02. blend contouring
“Always blend contouring well to avoid harsh lines.”
verb + noun
03. contouring defines
“Soft contouring defines the jawline without looking heavy.”
noun + verb
04. contouring enhances
“Good contouring enhances your natural bone structure.”
noun + verb
05. contouring sculpts
“This technique shows how contouring sculpts the nose.”
noun + verb
Noun
06. art of contouring
“The course teaches the art of contouring for beginners.”
noun + prep + noun
07. contouring brush
“Use an angled contouring brush for precise application.”
noun + noun
08. contouring palette
“She bought a new contouring palette with cream and powder shades.”
noun + noun
09. a touch of contouring
“Just a touch of contouring makes her cheekbones stand out in photos.”
10. apply light contouring
“Apply light contouring under your cheekbones for a natural lift.”
11. blend your contouring well
“Blend your contouring well so there are no visible lines.”
12. contouring for everyday wear
“This video shows soft contouring for everyday wear.”
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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